Shakira could face prison time: Spanish prosecutor asks for over 8 years

• Shakira could go to jail.
• What does the singer say about the accusations?
• Why did the prosecutor ask for more than 8 years?

Shakira has opted to go to trial rather than accept a deal offered by Spanish prosecutors to settle allegations that she defrauded Spain’s government of 14.5 million euros ($15 million) in taxes, her public relations team said Wednesday.

On Friday, the Prosecutor’s Office confirmed the accusation against the Colombian singer and requested a sentence of eight years and two months in prison for six crimes against the Public Treasury. She is accused of not paying Personal Income Tax and the Wealth Tax, according to El País.

Not just jail! Shakira faces another possible punishment

In addition, according to the Spanish newspaper, a fine of 23.7 million euros has also been requested for Shakira. The 45-year-old Colombian pop star «fully trusts her innocence and, therefore, does not accept an agreement,» the Llorente y Cuenca firm said in a statement.

In 2018, the Spanish prosecutor accused the singer of failing to pay 14.5 million euros in taxes on income obtained between 2012 and 2014. She faces a possible fine and prison sentence if she is found guilty of tax evasion, AP notes.

Has Shakira already paid what she owes?

No details were immediately available about the deal offered by prosecutors. No date has been set for the trial. Shakira’s public relations firm said that the artist has deposited the amount that she supposedly owes with the Spanish Tax Agency and that she has no outstanding tax debts.

The artist’s place of residence is at the center of the case. Prosecutors allege that she lived primarily in Spain despite having an official residence in the Bahamas. Shakira, whose full name is Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, has two children with soccer star Gerard Piqué. Filed Under: Shakira Prison

Was does Pique have to do with this?

The prosecution alleges that between 2012 and 2014 Shakira evaded paying taxes because her relationship with Gerard Piqué had already begun and she lived «regularly in Barcelona», according to El País. The ‘evidence’ of Shakira’s alleged crime focuses on where she lived.

The authorities point out that, for tax purposes, the Colombian lived in Spain since in those years, the singer spent 183 days or more in the country. The foregoing complies with the requirement established by law for a person to be «considered a tax resident,» says El País. In addition, it was requested that Shakira be questioned at trial. The couple lived in Barcelona, ​​but recently ended their 11-year relationship. Filed Under: Shakira Prison